"On behalf of my management team and all employees of the South African Police Service, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to Mrs Anne Selebi and her children on the passing of their beloved husband and father," she said in a statement.

As a former national police commissioner, many in the organisation still saw Selebi as a colleague and friend, she said.

Phiyega said they would reflect on Selebi's "many selfless acts of sacrifice" which contributed towards democracy.

His work on banning landmines and repatriating ANC exiles back into South Africa should not be forgotten, she said.

Phiyega would lead a delegation to pay their respects to Selebi's family on Monday.

Selebi died on Friday aged 64.

He had reportedly suffered from diabetes and kidney problems.

Selebi was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment on 3 August 2010, for taking bribes from convicted drug dealer Glenn Agliotti.

The former head of Interpol started serving his sentence in 2011, after being found guilty of corruption in 2010.

He was released from Pretoria Central Prison on medical parole less than a year later.

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